Game Report: Hawks @ Kings | RD14 NBL26

Grinch SZN: Froling’s Miraculous Return a Lone Light in Sydney Nightmare

It was a Christmas Day blockbuster that tested every ounce of the Illawarra Hawks' resolve at Qudos Bank Arena. While the 84-108 result against the Sydney Kings wasn't the holiday gift we were after, the night was headlined by a genuine Christmas miracle: the incredible return of Co-Captain Sam Froling. In a season where many feared he wouldn't see the court following a Grand Final Achilles injury, Froling’s return provided an emotional lift for the entire club and the traveling Hawks faithful.

Checking in early in the first quarter, Froling looked like he hadn't missed a beat, knocking down a smooth back-to-the-basket fadeaway for his first points of the campaign. He fought tirelessly for 24 minutes, finishing his inspiring return with a massive double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.

No Miracle on Christmas Day

The Hawks faced an uphill battle before the opening tip, with Captain Tyler Harvey a late scratching due to a back injury. Donning the special "Grinch" uniforms, the starting group of Jackson Ball, Quentin Peterson (QJ), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Davo Hickey, and JaVale McGee played with plenty of holiday spirit. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk was locked in from the jump, continuing his recent elite offensive form by draining two early triples and finishing with 15 points on a sharp 5-of-7 from deep.

The Hawks’ rhythm was made difficult by a whistle-heavy start, as the foul count sat at a lopsided 13-5 against the visitors just minutes into the second quarter, including a technical foul on the bench for animated clapping. JaVale McGee remained a force in the paint, pouring in 20 points and grabbing 6 boards, highlighted by a massive power dunk in the third quarter that ignited a 9-0 scoring run.

Grit in the Green

Despite the Kings continuing to hit from range, hitting 14-of-31 triples, the Hawks managed to cut the lead to 18 in the final period (down from 29), but Kings' Illawarra junior Xavier Cooks (21 points) proved too much to overcome as the Kings took a 2-0 lead in the Adrian Hurley Cup series.

While the "Grinch" themed Christmas kit went 0-2 this year and likely won't be back (like it's predecessor was last year), there were silver linings to take away. The Hawks continued their improved ball security, staying below their season turnover average—a trend the coaching staff will be desperate to keep alive as the post-season race heats up.

The Opposition

The Kings (12-7) were led by Kendric Davis, who finished with 27 points and 9 assists. Xavier Cooks added 21 points, while Kouat Noi provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, including six makes from beyond the arc.

Next Game

We’re heading back to The Sandpit to close out the year in style! Be there as we take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday, December 31, at 5:30 PM.
🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster!

Be sure to check our social media channels for more game highlights and photos!

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26 | RD14
SYDNEY KINGS 108 (Davis 27, Cooks 21, Noi 18)
‍ILLAWARRA HAWKS 84 (McGee 20, Swaka Lo Buluk 15, Froling 13)

The Return of the Captain

The Return of the Captain | Sam Froling’s Road to Redemption

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